Western Skinks are unique among Idaho lizards in that they are covered with smooth, cycloid scales. These scales give Western Skinks a very glossy appearance. Western Skinks have a somewhat long, slim body and a tail that may be a bright blue color. The tail coloration fades to a gray in adulthood, but usually retains some hint of blue. There is a wide vertebral stripe (runs down the middle of the back), which is usually a tan color, but on juveniles, it is often a very dark brown. The vertebral stripe is bordered on either side by dark.
Ten Facts about Western Skink
- Western Skinks are small to medium-sized lizards that can attain snout-vent length sizes of 76 mm (3 in.) and 201 mm (7.9 in.) total length.
- They probably mate in May or June, and deposit 2-6 eggs in July.
- Western Skinks are generally found in a variety of habitats including pinion-juniper forests, grassy areas, desert shrub, talus slopes and canyon rims. They are often found in areas associated with water.
- Western Skinks can be found across much of Idaho, with the exception of the southwestern corner, and the southeastern edge of the state.
- Feeds on variety of insects (crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, flies, etc.), spiders, and earthworms.
- Inactive in cold, winter weather; duration of inactive period varies with local climate.
- In Idaho, night snakes, striped whipsnakes, and raptors are predators.
- Western Skinks readily lose their tails.
- Sexual maturity may occur at 2 years of age.
- Western Skinks can reach an age of up to 10 years.
